Xmas trip to colorado in a KA-90

[junkjockey]

Got a trip in the 90 somewhere in colorado over xmas. Im trying to figure out which airport would be the safest to get in and out of. We r gonna be kinda heavy so im concerned about climb gradient/runway length etc. Being from Mobile, AL and having almost 0 time flying in the mountains im trying to get someones expert opinion. I have done some research and think that Eagle would be the best considering runway length, elevation and aircraft performance. I get to make the decision where we r gonna ski based on where the best place to fly is. Any advice yall got would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sperfly]

I was in your shoes about 3 years ago. I used to fly a 200 out a Georgia and Eagle is where we went. I told my boss the only way I would do it was to go in during the day and with good weather and he had no problem with that. Also Eagle is where alot of the good skiing is or within at least 30 minutes or so. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[TimsKeeper]

which airport

Also take a look at Rifle...it's about 15 minutes flying westbound and it's basically a vector to intercept the ILS down. Either is fine, just be way ahead of the game planning wise.

 

[Way2Broke]

God I wish I knew my schedule that far out. hahahaa

 

[Limeyflyer]

Aspen ain't that bad for King Air flying, make sure it is a nice day and NO NIGHT OPS!! The KA's have so much power for their weight the climb grads usually aren't too bad, especially in the nice cool mountains

 

[pilot error]

Aspen ain't that bad for King Air flying, make sure it is a nice day and NO NIGHT OPS!! The KA's have so much power for their weight the climb grads usually aren't too bad, especially in the nice cool mountains

sarcasm?

 

[BushwickBill]

Rifle is usually much better than the rest. No night ops is a good rule of thumb for the general area until you've been there at least a couple of times. Once you get a mental picture of what the moutains are like you'll be much more comfortable.

For weather minimums I always go with VFR until the top of the SID or I ain't gonna do it.

Also stay at the hotel Denver in Glenwood. They have a brewpub in the hotel. No driving after a few too many. Great beer. I mean really great beer.

 

[alaskaborn]

A KA-90 captain in Mobile? Did you use to fly out of MBO? Think I might know you!

 

[Lead Sled]

Ditto to what everyone has said. If the weather is a factor come the day of your flight Grand Junction makes for a great alternative and it's a reasonable drive to any of the ski areas. Just be aware that there will be arrival slots required to get in to those airports that time of year and they can be a bit tough to get.

 

[THE Flying Ace]

Not trying to be a jerk, but fly into Denver Centenial and drive into the mountains. Don't have to worry about bad weather, the several feet of snow that will fall overnight and tip your King Air on its tail, or climb gradients. I have done this when I flew King Airs and there is plenty of hanger around Denver and only an hour or so drive to some of the ski resorts.

 

[sperfly]

I forgot to add, go ahead and reserve a hangar for the night before you depart, so that the plane will thaw out before you leave.

 

[bizjet800]

sarcasm?

That's kind of what I was thinking. There are very few planes that can climb out any where near gross weight-G-IV, G-V and Falcon 50 come to mind.

 

[cezzna]

Good luck with slots and hangar. I hope you have a speed dialer. I wouldn't go in and stay unless I had an iron clad hangar lined up. The slots are a mess because you are competing against the fractionals who know how to monopolize in artform. If they insist, then you should drop them and then head for Boulder or Centennial. Better yet, just go there anyway. Tell the boss how much hotels in the mountains are and he should see it your way.

 

[cezzna]

Oh, I forgot, merry christmas.

 

[Skyguy]

Grand Junction

I suggest that you fly into Grand Junction. Big runway and better weather. Rent a car and drive. You will be driving opposite to the heavy traffic and not have to deal with the Tunnel and if its closed, Loveland Pass. During the winter the highway can be closed for hours because of traffic and accidents. Very heavy traffic to and from Denver. Its the same amount of time for the drive without the mountainous issues.

There are plenty of hotels in Glenwood Springs with a great hot springs pool open year round and several area attractions to boot. Easy drive to Aspen for the skiing. You could further miss the crowds and ski at Sun Light and not drive very far. Great for the beginner level skier. After a great day on the slopes, hit the Hot Springs and relax with your favorite beverage. Snow on your nose and your body sitting in 104 degree (F) water for the muscles. Make your reservations soon!!

It works for me. You will saving your boss a ton of money compared to landing in Aspen, Eagle or Rifle. I'm not sure if you need a reservation for Grand Junction.

ciao

 

[junkjockey]

Thanx for the help. I used to live in aspen before i started flying so I know the area, drive times etc. I think im gonna go for rifle or eagle. I completely forgot bout the hangar space issue...gonna have to work on that one. Thanks again

ps alaska: i was never out of mbo

 

[Livin' Life]

Rifle.

It's on a mesa and not nearly as threatening as flying into ASE. ILS and more than enough runway for a King Air.

The people at Rifle Jet Center are great. Most guys go to Aspen so I've never had a problem with traffic/ramp space. If ASE goes down though it can get a little busy. The prices don't seem to be as bad as Eagle either.

RIL is 20 minutes (driving) from Gleenwood which is a great town. The Hotel Colorado and Hotel Denver are nice hotels with a lot of history. There is skiing in Gleenwood but it is not the best. Aspen is another 45 minutes past Glenwood.

There is always Montrose (MTJ) too. Much "flatter" than the other mountain airports to the northeast. ILS approach and plenty of runway for the aircraft. Telluride is around 45 minutes away.

I am a flatlander as well and was intimidated going into the mountains at first. Just respect what they can do to your aircraft. Don't settle for weather you aren't comfortable with and don't get off course on your approach.

LL

 

[pilot error]

Rifle.

It's on a mesa and not nearly as threatening as flying into ASE. ILS and more than enough runway for a King Air.

The people at Rifle Jet Center are great. Most guys go to Aspen so I've never had a problem with traffic/ramp space. If ASE goes down though it can get a little busy. The prices don't seem to be as bad as Eagle either.

RIL is 20 minutes (driving) from Gleenwood which is a great town. The Hotel Colorado and Hotel Denver are nice hotels with a lot of history. There is skiing in Gleenwood but it is not the best. Aspen is another 45 minutes past Glenwood.

There is always Montrose (MTJ) too. Much "flatter" than the other mountain airports to the northeast. ILS approach and plenty of runway for the aircraft. Telluride is around 45 minutes away.

I am a flatlander as well and was intimidated going into the mountains at first. Just respect what they can do to your aircraft. Don't settle for weather you aren't comfortable with and don't get off course on your approach.

LL

rifle is in a valley.

 

[G100driver]

If you get to pick the resort, how about Steamboat Springs and fly into Craig, CO. Nice long runway with ILS. Craig is used by the airlines (American 757 service) as the airport for the resort town.

Have a good trip (hopefully you will get to airline home!)

 

[pilot error]

If you get to pick the resort, how about Steamboat Springs and fly into Craig, CO. Nice long runway with ILS. Craig is used by the airlines (American 757 service) as the airport for the resort town.

Have a good trip (hopefully you will get to airline home!)

i think you are thinking of hayden, just east of craig. 10000' runway vs. craig's 5600'. hayden has airline service, the only time craig did was when twa inadvertently landed there.